Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. KIM. Madam Chair, earlier this month, I held a town hall in Toms River, New Jersey, focused on the opioid and addiction crisis.

At this town hall, and nearly every day since I was sworn in to represent the Third District of New Jersey, I have heard heartbreaking stories from people in my community on how they've struggled with opioid addiction issues.

The bill we're debating today provides important funding to fight this epidemic.

This amendment directs that funding to prioritize funding for medication assisted treatment.

This treatment is proven to make a positive impact in the lives of those dealing with these issues and proven to save lives.

According to the CDC, more than 70,000 Americans died in 2017 due to drug overdoses. Reducing that number should be an absolute priority of this Congress and is the intent of this amendment.

I want to thank Congressman Foster for his leadership on this issue and urge support and passage.

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